Goss Tire Co.

 

 

 

 

 

The following helps explain why it is now required and some history. What's the difference between the snow traction of a M&S (mud and snow) branded tire, a traditional all-season tire, and a dedicated winter tire. While many consumers probably aren't sure, it can be the difference between getting home...or getting stuck.

The traditional M&S definition for tires is a geometric based formula. Those tires meeting the formula are branded on at least one sidewall with the letters "M" and "S", (e.g., M&S, M+S, M/S, MS, etc.), which were first used to differentiate the knobby bias ply tires intended for use on muddy, and/or snow covered roads from the straight rib tires used on early cars or trucks. Then when radial ply tires were also found to deliver more snow traction than the straight rib bias ply tires, the tire company marketing departments saw an opportunity, and the term "all-season tire" was born. Supported by advertising, all-season tires have presented an unspoken promise that they, throughout their life, can provide traction for all-seasons...through spring's rain, summer's heat, fall's cooling and winter's snow. And while this combined offering made all-season tires popular, the problem is that this geometric definition doesn't guarantee performance or any degree of safety in winter driving.

On February 1, 1999, The U.S. Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and the Rubber Association of Canada (RAC) agreed on a performance based standard which will help differentiate dedicated passenger and light truck winter tires from all-season tires. The standard will be used to identify those tires which attain a traction index equal to, or greater than 110 (compared to a reference tire which is rated 100) during the specified American Society for Testing and Materials traction tests on packed snow. This new definition was first requested by Transport Canada (Canada's counterpart to the U.S. Department of Transportation) about 2 1/2 years earlier. A new standard is desirable because it would help ensure that consumers could identify and purchase tires designed to provide a higher level of traction in harsh winter conditions.

The new sidewall symbol, a snowflake-on-the-mountain, will appear adjacent to the tire's M&S symbol to denote those tires which met the required performance in snow testing. While this symbol is expected to be fully implemented by the winter of 2001, many tire manufacturers will immediately begin to place the snowflake-on-the-mountain symbol on the sidewall of tires that will arrive in time for the winter of 1999-2000. NOTE: Tires that meet the new RMA standard, but were produced before it went into effect will still offer the required level of traction, but will not be able to be identified with the snowflake-on-the-mountain symbol.

It should be noted at Nokian Tyres, all of our winter tires have met these standards for years. Driving in Nordic Conditions, they demand this type of performance and safety where winter conditions exist 8 out of the 12 months a year.

All Goss Tire stores are equipped and trained to handle Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). This has become important in maintaining the correct tire pressure for a vehicle as an important factor in how much load its tires can safely carry. The correct pressure will carry the weight without a problem. Too little tire pressure will eventually cause catastrophic tire failure. Tires aren't invincible. They are made of individual layers of fabric and steel encased in rubber. If a tire is allowed to run low on air pressure, the rubber is forced to stretch beyond the elastic limits of the fabric and steel reinforcing cords. When this happens, the bond between the various materials can weaken. If this is allowed to continue, it will eventually break the bonds between the various materials and cause the tire to fail. And even if the tire doesn't fail immediately, once a tire is weakened it won't heal after being reinflated to the proper pressure. So if a tire has been allowed to run nearly flat for a period of time, the tire should be replaced, not simply repaired or reinflated.

Please call the closest store and the sales staff can explain more thoroughly what TPMS is and what you need to know.

Tire rotation, balance and alignment are important to insure even tread wear and a comfortable ride. Rotating your tires will insure you get even tread wear down to the last 2/32nds of tread and to get the maximum life out of the tread. If your tire is not properly balanced, then you will have an uncomfortable ride, your steering wheel will vibrate and you will damage your tires and cars suspension. Aligning your car will also keep your tires from wearing unevenly. This is recommended every 5,000 miles.

   Frequently Asked Questions

The tire air pressure is the single greatest cause of tire damage and failure. All tires will naturally lose a few pounds of air over time, and when this occurs, you put unnecessary stress on them causing possible tire failure and this will also lead to poor gas mileage and irregular wear. Under inflation will cause your tire to wear unevenly and will lead you to lose a significant amount of steering precision and an increase in your fuel consumption. Over inflation will also cause your tire to wear unevenly and a higher chance that road debris and potholes can damage your tire. The maximum pressure listed on the side of the tire is only a top air pressure never to be exceeded for any reason. The correct pressure for your car will be listed on the doorjamb, inside the glove compartment or in your vehicles owners’ manual. You should check the air pressure at least once a week.

Why do I have to check the air pressure in my tires?

Why do I have to balance and rotate my tires and align the car?

What is TPMS?

What is the Severe Service Symbol and what does it mean?

The answer to this is very simple and its not to boost a tire dealers sales. You need 4 winter tires on your car and all should hopefully be the same make and model and similar tread depths. If you were to put on 2 really good winter tires on the front and keep half worn all seasons on the rear and you tried to brake or round a corner, the front end would stick to the road and the rear will just slide out from behind you, and vice versa for putting traction on rear. Best analogy someone told me would be to go out on a snowy, icy day with a traction winter boot on one foot and a dress shoe with no traction on the other foot and that’s what it will feel like.

Why do I need 4 snow tires and not just 2?

To contact us:

Phone: 802-660-3412

Fax: 802-862-8218

E-mail: gosstire@sover.net